Flying beauties of Himachal Pradesh

There are some birds that demand attention with loud calls or dramatic displays. The Verditer Flycatcher ( Eumyias thalassinus ) does neither. It simply appears—like a flash of brilliant turquoise against the deep green of the Himalayan forest—and for a few moments everything else seems to fade into the background. The first thing that strikes an observer is its extraordinary colour. Perched quietly on a bare branch, the bird seems almost unreal, as if someone had carefully painted it with the brightest shades of blue. When sunlight filters through the trees, its plumage glows with a richness that photographs can only partly capture. In the forests of Himachal Pradesh, encountering a Verditer Flycatcher is always a memorable experience. It is one of those birds that encourages you to pause, watch patiently and appreciate the quiet beauty of the mountains. Quick Facts Common Name: Verditer Flycatcher Scientific Name: Eumyias thalassinus Family: Muscicapidae Length: About 16–...